Verdict
At RM151,469, the 2.0-litre CX-5 is the sensible entry: it retains the same 442-litre boot, six airbags, 360-degree camera and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as its RM164,960 sibling. The RM13,491 step to the 2.5-litre buys a meaningful 30 hp and 44 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 10.4 to 8.8 seconds. It also brings 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. Factor in the higher RM830 annual road tax versus RM439 before stretching for it.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if you want the same cabin, safety hardware and 442-litre boot for RM13,491 less, and can live with 162 hp and passive cruise control.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if the stronger 192 hp, 257 Nm engine, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats justify the extra outlay and RM830 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: RM151,469 versus RM164,960.
- Engine output: 162 hp and 213 Nm versus 192 hp and 257 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: 10.4 seconds versus 8.8 seconds.
- Annual road tax: RM439 versus RM830.
- Wheels and tyres: 17-inch alloys with 225/65R17 tyres versus 19-inch alloys with 225/55R19 tyres.
- Cruise control: passive cruise control versus adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
2.0 2WD High
- RM13,491 lower purchase price.
- Lower RM439 annual road tax.
- Same 360-degree camera, six airbags and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- 162 hp and 213 Nm trail the other CX-5's 192 hp and 257 Nm.
- Takes 10.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, against 8.8 seconds.
- Lacks ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
2.5 2WD High
- 192 hp and 257 Nm, with an 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
- Ventilated front seats and 19-inch alloy wheels.
- Costs RM13,491 more to buy.
- RM830 annual road tax is RM391 higher.
- At 1,604 kg, it is 16 kg heavier.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM151,469✓ | RM164,960 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,488 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp at 6,000 rpm | 192 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 213 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 257 Nm at 3,250 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | 89 mm × 100 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | 8.8 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | 196 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,550 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,675 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | 1,604 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 56 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 442 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Toyo Proxes R46 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory Function and Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
2.0 2WD High vs 2.5 2WD High FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-5 better?
The 2.5-litre Mazda CX-5 is better equipped and substantially quicker, with 192 hp, ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control. The 2.0-litre version is the smarter buy if those extras do not justify RM13,491 and higher road tax.
What is the price difference?
The 2.5-litre Mazda CX-5 costs RM13,491 more than the 2.0-litre model: RM164,960 versus RM151,469.
Is the 2.5-litre Mazda CX-5 faster than the 2.0-litre?
Yes. The 2.5-litre has 192 hp and 257 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The 2.0-litre makes 162 hp and 213 Nm, and takes 10.4 seconds.
